[Establishment of Networks of National Reference Centres and associated Consiliary Laboratories in Germany]

(Etablierung von Referenznetzwerken aus Nationalen Referenzzentren mit assoziierten Konsiliarlaboratorien in Deutschland.)

Full Abstract

The German Federal Ministry of Health has funded National Reference Centres (NRC) for laboratory-based surveillance of selected infection pathogens and infections disease syndromes. This selection is based on the epidemiologic relevance of the pathogens, specific diagnostic requirements, antimicrobial resistance and need for public health measures. Currently there are 18 NRC, nominated for a duration of 3 years. Toward the end of a nomination period, each NRC is evaluated by an expert committee, based on the catalogue of core tasks. In order to expand the spectrum of competencies 47 consiliary laboratories on additional pathogens of special epidemiologic importance have been named. Their main function is to provide information and consultation on special diagnostic issues. In order to further improve the effectiveness and cooperation of the system Networks have been created. The aim of the Networks is to facilitate exchange of diagnostic methods and prevention concepts and to improve the geographic coverage of the services.

Author information

Author/s: Laude, G (G); Kist, M (M); Krause, G (G);

Affiliation: Abt. für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin. laudeg(-atsign-)rki.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz (Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz), published in Germany. (Language: ger)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 52 (issue 10) : pp 919-26

Dates: Created 2009/10/06; Completed 2009/10/20;

PMID: 19760248, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/20/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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